What is the best breed of dog to buy for my children to stay OUTSIDE?

Question

We have 12 acres and a fenced in yard. My daughter is 10 and has autism. My son is 7 and very active. I've never really wanted a pet, but for my kids, I am willing to do my very best with an animal.

What would you suggest? I am thinking of surprising them for Christmas. Also, what "supplies" do you need to buy?
Thanks in advance.

Perhaps I should not get a dog. I am not an animal person by any means. I live in SC where the weather is usually nice. I was thinking in terms of the children want a pet and not all of the work involved. I was thinking that the kids could play with the god outside. I cannot tolerate animals in the house, but I am willing to try to learn.

Answer 1

First, if its just a surprise christmas present, then please don't do this.
I don't know what your surrounding area is like in the winter, but if its cold, snow, freezing, then don't get the dog to keep outside. that is abuse. look into bedding, flea drops, and a room or area in your home you can give to this new family member.


dogs are great for helping children with autism and active little boys. I know about the latter, I have 2 teenagers, who grew up around dogs.

I suggest that before you get any dog, please volunteer at your local animal shelter. this is for you to get an idea of what every dog's basic needs are.
this is what they need: exercise, discipline and affection. rules, boundaries and limitations. alot like kids, but not.
food, vet checks, shots/worming, shelter and training are givens. the rest is up to you.

obedience training is essential for every new dog owner, and especially those with children who have special needs.
it can be great to include your family esp the children in the training. it helps to keep the training consistent from family member to member. without consistency, the dog will get confused, and stressed. this makes for an unhappy dog and family.

don't look at specific breeds, there are over 400 and climbing.
a dog from your shelter can be the greatest dog, whether its pedigreed or a mutt, it's all in how you care and train the animal.

I wish you luck

Answer 2

If you don't understand dog psychology, don't get a dog.
Dogs are pack animals. If you isolate the poor dog outside, s/he will wonder what she did wrong to be shunned by the pack. And, if you are getting a pet for the children, remember you are the one cleaning after the pet, feeding the pet, etc. The kids won't do it consistently, Dogs can live 15-16 years. Are you willing to care for the dog after the kids leave???
Please don't get a dog or a cat or anything. You don't sound as though you know what you are getting into. And, I am going to be harsh - Despite your 12 acres,I despise people who get dogs and then leave the dogs outside to bark and annoy neighbors while the poor pet is lonely and simply wants to be with his family.

I have had several well trained dogs, who were members of the family pack. Also, while obedience trained, one did growl at a child who grabbed poor Buckley's genitals. So, even the "perfect" dog, can be "cranky."

Answer 3

A dog is not a toy and that seems to be what you are thinking.
Dogs CAN be kept outside, but with certain rules.
I have 4 Newfs that are outside most all the time. However, we (hubby and I) spend hours with them daily. Rain, sleet,snow,hot and humid.......you cannot skimp on the care and attention just because the weather is poor. We still cut outings short to get back to the dogs. We have three kids, but they are not entrusted with the care of the dogs. You cannot depend on KIDS to feed and give proper daily attention to a dog.
I also would never have just one dog outside. They are pack animals and enjoy the company of their own kind.
Kids tire of pets. If you have had even so much as a gerbil, you have found that out.
YOU have to really want the dog because YOU are going to be responsible for the care. For the kids it will be a passing interest at best.
If YOU are willing to lug yourself in the worst weather for hours to give the dog what it needs 365, 24/7...then go for it. But if you have any hesitation, or think the kids are going to play a major part in the care....think again.

Answer 4

You have come to the right place. You are probably looking for a calm, gentle breed of dog, with not to much energy. They do train speicail dogs for serice, that are trained to gentle to children with your child's disability. You can reserch that on the web about local facilities that train service dogs, and you can give them a call. The dogs aren't cheap- 500 bucks usualy is in the deal- but if you want something best for your family, that could be a possibility. You should reserch into that. The prosses usually goes through your whole family seeing different dogs, determining what dog you like and what dog likes you, ect... again, reserch it. If you don't want a dog like that, something more along the lines of a normal puppy, that is a possibility. But this requires time, training, and alot of attention, and you don't sound like a person who would want that. There is also older dogs you can buy at a local shelter that are usualy already potty trained, at a cheaper price, but the cons of this is you may not know where the dog has come from or why the dog was put there. But most of the time those shelter dogs make good pets, again, if you are willing to put your time into it. Not that you don't have to put time in a speicail service dog, but they are trained to be gentle with your child, as well as a good friend to the family. And, another possibility is buying a dog from the classifieds in the local paper. The giudlines to this, you must demand to see both the mother and the father on premisis if you go to check out a puppy. The puppy must look healthy, active, and not show sighns of aggresion or fear towards you. Some good breeds: golden retrievers are excellent family dogs, as are labs, but they have alot of energy and need careful training. They are also some of the most common service dog breeds. You can look up other dog breeds and figure out thier characteristics. Just google the search term "dog breeds" and you will find what you need.You can also look up all this stuff on google.

After i have given you suggestions i will give you a warninkg. Do not surprise your kids with a puppy. You need to know that the whole family is suitible. This is a must if you are going through the proccess of getting a service dog. But you need to know the whole family like the dog. Discuss the consept with them and take them to see the dog of your choice.

AS for supplies, you will need lots of toys, a bed, food and water bowl, coller, leash, nametag, food speicalized for the tipe and age of dog, treats, pottypads(depending on puppy or dog) ect... you can find anything you need on the internet.

Remember: The dog will need to have his/her shots and regular vet checks, keep that in mind. He will also need any other medicen and opperations that are nessecary: it is part of the family the second you get it, and it needs to be treated like one.

Training classes are a very big thing if not a service dog. You can look up local classes on the computer, they also have classes at petsmart stores, you can sighn up there.

I hope I have helped, if you have anymore questions, email me at [e-mail]

Answer 5

Firstly, dont buy a dog just to keep it outside. They need interaction and keeping it outside alone will make it anti-social, and that is NOT a good dog for small kids.
Secondly, dont think that you wont be involved with the dog that you dont even want. Your kids are too young to feed it, walk it, take it to the vet, let it outside a million times a day, bathe it, etc. This is gonna be YOUR dog any way you want to look at it. Dont buy a dog right now. It obviously won't go well in your household. And especially with one special needs child in the house and one kid thats seven years old.
I agree with pets as presents. It's a bad idea. Sounds good in theory but if your kids have gone this far without a dog, they can go a little longer.

Answer 6

No point in getting a dog at all if it's to stay outside. As mentioned it's not going to be socialized and may well have behavior issues if it's left outside alone.

Everyone in the home should want a dog before you get one. If you are only getting it for the kids and don;t even want it inside it's not a good idea at all.

Maybe better to get one of those virtual dogs I have seen on the internet. The kids get to learn about caring for a pet without actually having one.

Answer 7

In all honesty, it's probably not a good idea to get a dog to keep outdoors. My family got a dog for those reasons. My sisters were too irresposible to train Baby, and I was too young. My parents worked and probably only wanted to make my sisters happy. Baby ended up being an outdoor only dog. He was incredibly unpredictable, nobody wanted to go near him because of how dirty and smelly he was, and he had no concept of how not to jump on people. In the winter, we had to bring him inside, otherwise he would have died on the cold nights, and he would poop or pee whenever and wherever he wanted. We had to tie him to a pole in the basement.
Basically, having a dog in those conditions is the equivalent to abuse and neglect. I recommend getting some fish. And if you do seriously consider getting a dog, do some soul searching first. A pet is similar to a child, and should be treated in a similar way. Rescue is a good idea as well.

Answer 8

Since all dogs can't just be gotten and put outside, it depends on what level of input can be given to this dog. Like walking and grooming every day, etc. There's also vets bills to consider, shots and immunisations, getting it fixed, etc.
If you can do all that, I would go for a Staffie, or GSD, or Terrier.
You need bowls for water and food, lots of toys, a shelter for the animal like a doghouse, collars, leashes, getting it microchipped.
Remember that a gift is the worst time to think of pets. Get a dog that needs rescuing from the SPCA, ask about ones that if you only want to get one can be single pets, they'll gladly discuss the pros and cons with you.

Answer 9

If you're getting a dog,why keep it outside? The dog and the kids will be much happier if the dog is allowed to live in the house.And,Christmas is the worst time to get a dog.You should get one now,while the weather is still nice,so you can start housebreaking,and the kids can play outside with the dog.But please consider keeping the dog indoors.As for supplies,well,you need to start by finding a good vet.You'll need to have the dog vaccinated,spayed or neutered and put on heartworm preventative.Then you'll need a collar,leash,ID tag,food,dishes,toys,a bed ( or a good dog house if you're determined to keep it out.) Oh,toys,chew bones,brush,comb and nail clippers.A book on puppy care,obedience classes (especially since the dog will be around an autistic child) As to what breed,if it's going to be outside,a heavy coated breed. ( If you live where it gets cold in the winter).Golden retrievers are great with kids,but they suffer if left outside alone (all dogs do.) Collie,Newfoundland,really it's up to you.Any breed can be great with kids if they come from stable bloodlines and are treated kindly.Mixed breeds are great,too,so you should check out your local shelters.Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Answer 10

It doesn't sound like a dog is right for you. Dogs are very social animals and most are happier inside. Also, you shouldn't just purchase a dog as a toy for your children. Try maybe a smaller pet like a rabbit, bird or hamster. It doesn't really sound like you're prepared to handle a dog and by your own admission you've never really wanted a pet.